Least Willow - Salix herbacea

Description

Plant

This is a very low growing plant, sometimes known as the 'Dwarf willow'. It is seldom more than a few inches tall and is mat-forming. It can only be found on exposed sites, usually on mountain tops and areas of late snow-lie but occasionally on the tops of coastal cliffs. The twigs are dark red/brown and often glossy.

Leaf

The leaves are bright shiny green, round and with slightly curved edges.

Female catkin

The catkins are few and late in appearing and the ovaries are bright scarlet.